Bio

Dan Xu is a Chinese-Canadian visual artist and art educator based in Saint John, New Brunswick. She has many years of experience teaching drawing, painting, and creative art to children and youth through schools, workshops, and community programs.

Dan specializes in foundational art skills including sketching, observation drawing, color theory, composition, and landscape painting. Her teaching encourages students to build confidence through hands-on creative experiences while developing technical skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Originally trained in traditional fine arts in China, Dan combines both Western and Eastern artistic approaches in her classes. Alongside pencil drawing, acrylic painting and watercolor, students may also explore the basics of traditional Chinese ink painting and brush techniques as a way to experience different artistic cultures and materials.

Dan believes art education helps students develop creativity, patience, focus, and personal expression. Her classes are designed to be accessible, engaging, and adaptable for different age groups and skill levels, from elementary to high school students.

Her artwork has been exhibited across Canada and internationally. Inspired by nature, travel, and cultural connection, Dan continues to explore contemporary landscape painting while sharing her passion for art with younger generations.

Residency Project

Dan Xu offers school and community-based artist residency programs focused on drawing, painting, observation, and creative exploration through visual art.

Students are introduced to foundational art skills such as sketching, color mixing, composition, perspective, and landscape drawing through hands-on activities designed for different age groups and experience levels. The residency project encourages creativity, confidence, observation skills, and personal expression in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Inspired by both Canadian landscapes and traditional Chinese artistic practices, Dan’s residency programs may also include an introduction to Chinese ink painting techniques, brushwork, and the use of natural materials. Students are encouraged to explore connections between art, nature, culture, and storytelling.

Residency activities can include:

• Observational drawing and sketchbook practice
• Colour and painting exercises
• Landscape and nature-inspired art
• Collaborative mural or group projects
• Introduction to Chinese ink painting
• Creative exploration using mixed materials

Programs can be adapted for elementary, middle school, and high school students, as well as community art settings. Dan works closely with teachers and organizers to create engaging art experiences that support creativity, cultural awareness, and student participation.

Teaching Experience

2026: Art Creation Program, Hampton, New Brunswick

2025: Art Creation Program, Kennebecasis Park Elementary School, Saint John, New Brunswick

2023: Chinese Painting Workshop, Saint John Arts Club

2022: Chinese Painting Workshop, Gabriola Island, British Columbia

2021: Fine Art Workshops, Saint John Arts Centre

2021: Chinese Painting Workshop, Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre

2019–2020: ArtsSmarts Program and Artist Residency, Bayside Middle School, Saint John, New Brunswick

2018: Chinese Painting Workshop, Beaverbrook Art Gallery

2015–2018: Taught weekly art classes for young students through a private studio program; organized student exhibitions and produced a student art publication

1995–2000: Fine Art Teacher, Shenzhen Hai-Bin Middle School, China

1992–1995: Fine Art Teacher, Shenzhen Bao-Cheng Primary School, China